Test drive: 2006 BMW 325i
Friday March 31, 2006
The new-for-2006 BMW 325i is yet another subject for debate here at About Cars. Test driver BJ Killeen attended the launch of the all-new 3-series not long ago and wrote a test drive report entitled "Can it still be called ultimate?" She felt that in designing the new 3-series, BMW hadn't looked far enough beyond the blue-and-white propeller badge on the old car's hood. Jason Fogelson just took his own turn behind the new BMW's wheel and disagrees. "The 325i", he writes, "made me feel like I was part of the machine." There's only one way to settle this... looks like I'm going to have to take my own turn behind the wheel. Talk about suffering for one's art... -- Aaron Gold
Succinctly put. I test drove versions of the 330i with the standard suspension and the sport suspension back to back. The base unperpinnings are biased more to comfort than performance though, and when pushed get a little mushy for my taste. This setup provides a very comfy ride around town though and not bad for a performance sedan but geared more to those who do like to flash the label (and fits well with the automatic transmission, which I put in the same category). BMW satisfies 80% of their clientele who want to be seen in a BMW with this combination. Fortunatley, “drivers” are not left out of the mix. If you wish to experience the “Ultimate Driving Machine”, the sport suspension (and manual six-speed) are the way to go. This suspension absolutely transforms this car, settling it down and making it a completely intuitive drive through the twisties without giving up too much in terms of comfort around town. I was stunned at just how good it was (and I normally drive a 911 for this type of driving). Within thirty minutes this car was like a comfortable pair of shoes and begged for a full day of spirited driving. I’d opt for the more powerful engine for a bit more coin up front since there is a significant boost in performance with little difference in fuel economy. But if cost is an object the 325 with sport package is a great way to get the handling. In fact, forget all the other options if you must and just enjoy the way this car drives in its simplest form.
Own an 06 330xi with most of the extras. 80 years old and still interested in competent show off cars. Have enjoyed the car for past 6 mnonths with no problems. I have big feet so the brake and throttle are a little too close for easy action. In the past year have owned an 04 Accord, excellent vanilla car, and 99 Porsche Boxter (my 4th Porsche, others were 911, but enjoyed the Boxster best of all. BMW drives like the Porsche with more interior room. LIke the BMW 4 year warranty, which I am sure I paid for in the price. So far very pleased with the purchase. Not too many BMWs up here in Vermont, but with 4 wheel drive and snow tires had no problems driving in the snow this past season.